Extraction of Ferronickel Concentrate by Reduction Roasting-Magnetic Separation from Low Grade Laterite Nickel Ore under the Action of Compound Additives

Abstract

Nickel is an important strategic metal in the world. As the sulfide ore containing high-grade nickel is increasingly depleted, the laterite nickel ore, which is rich in resources, has attracted people’s attention. In this paper, the reduction roasting-magnetic separation process is used to study the method of preparing ferronickel concentrates from low-grade laterite nickel ore under the action of composite additives (Na₂CO₃ and CaF₂). The research results showed that when the ratio of additives Na₂CO₃ and CaF₂ was 1:7, reduction temperature was 1250°C, reduction time was 60 min, magnetic field strength was 150 mT, and wet grinding time was 12 min, the nickel grade and recovery extent were 8.39 wt.% and 98.54%, iron grade and recovery extent were 67.70 wt.% and 71.73%.

Fig. 4 Experimental process.